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Jay Skurski’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Focus: Buffalo Bills strengthen interior defense in Round 1

After months of scouting reports, combine times, and predictions, the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday in Green Bay. The Buffalo Bills hold the 30th pick in the first round—unless GM Brandon Beane decides to trade up.

This is The Buffalo News‘ final mock draft before the real selections begin.

Top 10 Picks:

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
   The Titans appear set on Ward, a dynamic quarterback whose journey includes standout seasons at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami.
2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
   A rare two-way player and Heisman winner, Hunter brings elite versatility to the Browns’ roster.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
   The Giants need a quarterback, but Carter’s upside as a top-tier pass rusher is too good to pass up.
4. New England Patriots – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
   Protecting young quarterback Drake Maye is the priority, and Membou fits the bill.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
   Graham brings physicality and experience from a dominant Michigan defensive front.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
   After rushing for over 2,600 yards last season, Jeanty becomes a focal point in Las Vegas’ offense.
7. New York Jets – Will Campbell, OL, LSU
   Campbell might shift inside to guard due to arm length concerns but remains a top talent on the line.
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
   With the league’s worst defense last season, Carolina adds a productive linebacker to rebuild.
9. New Orleans Saints – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
   With uncertainty around Derek Carr, the Saints find their potential future QB in Sanders.
10. Chicago Bears – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
    Warren gives new QB Caleb Williams another weapon in the passing game.

Picks 11–20:

11. San Francisco 49ers – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
    Green joins Bosa to revive the Niners’ pass rush, which struggled in 2024.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
    Golden’s elite speed (4.29 40-yard dash) makes him a dynamic complement to CeeDee Lamb.
13. Miami Dolphins – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
    Versatile defender who can fill multiple roles in the secondary, especially if Jalen Ramsey is traded.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
    Big-bodied target to aid Anthony Richardson’s development under center.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
    An explosive interior lineman who helps address Atlanta’s ongoing pass-rush woes.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
    Adds depth to a pass-rushing unit that ranked low in QB pressure.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
    A disruptive interior presence, addressing the Bengals’ biggest defensive need.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
    Protecting the quarterback remains a top priority after allowing 54 sacks last season.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
    A turf toe injury has impacted his draft stock, but Johnson’s talent is undeniable.
20. Denver Broncos – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
    A much-needed rushing threat in Denver’s offense, where 100-yard games have been scarce.

Picks 21–32:

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
    A polished college passer who might signal the end of waiting for Aaron Rodgers.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
    A productive receiver to help replace Joshua Palmer.
23. Green Bay Packers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
    Reliable and polished, Egbuka adds depth to a young receiver room.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
    Reinforces a struggling offensive line, especially important for a young QB.
25. Houston Texans – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
    Strong and athletic, Simmons addresses a pressing need after Houston gave up 54 sacks.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
    Continues the trend of teams investing early in offensive tackles.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
    A dynamic safety pairing with Kyle Hamilton gives Baltimore strength on the back end.
28. Detroit Lions – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
    High-upside pass rusher with elite physical traits.
29. Washington Commanders – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
    Fastest 40 time at the combine, Hairston is small but physical and instinctive.
30. Buffalo Bills – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
    Returning to a previous pick, Grant is a powerful run defender with upside as a pass rusher. With DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver, he adds depth and strength to the middle of the line. Though cornerback is also in consideration, Grant’s raw ability makes him the preferred choice. Coach Sean McDermott prioritizes line play, and this selection reinforces that philosophy.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
    Zabel helps bolster a line that underperformed in the Super Bowl.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
    Pearce had 19.5 sacks in three seasons and gives the Eagles a much-needed edge presence.